Workforce News

Manu MadnessFrom fighter jets to luxury automobiles, and lifesaving medical devices to home appliances, South Carolina has earned a reputation for making some of the most complex products in the world.

Harry Tech CollegeCommerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III had the opportunity to meet with technical college commissioners from across the state on Wednesday to discuss the importance of economic development stakeholders and education officials working together to ensure the success and future of South Carolina’s workforce.

Statewide suppliers have the opportunity to build business relationships at the upcoming S.C. Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker, taking place during the annual South Carolina Automotive Summit in March.

Last week, representatives from the S.C. Department of Commerce visited the Pee Dee region to meet with Myrtle Beach-area business leaders to discuss local and statewide economic development updates.

The Central SC Alliance and its nine member counties and city met with Secretary Harry Lightsey on Tuesday to wrap up his statewide visits with regional alliances.

Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III and representatives of Team S.C. celebrated Belimed Life Science, Inc.’s new operations in Charleston County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 6. The company is a leading supplier of steam sterilizers and parts washers. 

Returning to the in-person format this year, the South Carolina Manufacturing Conference and Expo celebrated the state’s robust manufacturing footprint and looked to the future of this critical sector. The conference, which took place in Greenville on November 10-12, is one of the largest manufacturing events in the Southeast each year.

S.C. Commerce continues to host monthly webinars that focus on workforce and retention resources for companies. The October session detailed incentive programs for companies that hire hard-to-place employees. 

Representatives from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce discussed how companies can take advantages of resources like Work Opportunity Tax Credits, Federal Bonding and Second Chance programs. 

S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III kicked off the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association Annual Conference on Hilton Head Island last week with his first address to the organization.

S.C. Commerce and OneSpartanburg, Inc. partnered with Oshkosh Defense to host an in-person supplier event for South Carolina companies last week.